Getting its start in the Highlands of Scotland and eventually branching out to various locations across the globe, golf is now one of the biggest sports in existence, enjoyed by millions of people. If you’re one of the millions, you may be looking at a few ways to get better at the game. Try these tips on for size.

A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to make sure that your different body parts are lined up correctly throughout your swing. Doing so will ensure that you have a predictable swing that is accurate and powerful. This involves everything from the position of your hands to your spine to your shoulder rotation.

It is helpful to know that some days your game will be great, and other days it will be terrible. This is inevitable, and if you let yourself be bothered by a bad golf day, then you might not be motivated to practice and continue playing the sport.

Adjusting the choke applied to the club – how high or low the shaft is gripped – is the throttle good golfers use to moderate their shots’ distance. Choking down on the club reduces power for shorter, more controlled shots. Choking up releases the full power of the golfer’s swing for maximum distance.

A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to be sure that you always cover up your tracks and holes that are made when dealing with a sand trap. This will ensure that the sand trap does not pose any unforeseen disadvantages to other players. There will most likely always be a rake nearby that you can use to even the trap back up.

If you need to make a longer than normal bunker shot, try taking a nine iron instead of a sand wedge. By taking a nine iron you increase the distance you are able to carry the ball out of the sand and decrease the likelihood that you will skull the ball by taking a sand wedge and swinging too hard.

One of the simplest tips for success on the golf course is choosing the correct club for a particular shot. Clubs with too much weight or a club head width can mangle shorter shots, while lighter clubs cannot offer the distance needed in drives. Choose a good putter as well for those difficult trips to the green.

Pay attention to your timing. Moving too quickly will cause the ball to swerve off to the right, while moving too slowly will cause the ball to hook to the left. Your body position should be matched up carefully with the movement of your arms to ensure the ball travels where you want it to go.

If you want to increase the distance of your drive, use a ball color that really contrasts against your pants and shoes. When you are looking down at it, you will quickly instinctively think “I need to get this thing out of here”. It’s not about whacking the ball harder, but meshing with your own clothes psychologically so you use your whole body in the swing like you know you should.

It is wise to make and aim for a target when you are practicing your golf skills. By having something to aim at, you may find that it is easier to get the ball to go where you want it to. Before you start an actual game of golf, do the same thing – get some target practice in (it’s fun too!)

Don’t swing until you’ve positioned your hands properly on your golf club. Your thumbs should stay pointed downward, and the handle of the club should sit lightly against your palms. Allow your hands to touch one another. You can choke up on your club if you want to hit further.

Consistency is the name of the game, as you should always want to play with the same color tee and ball. Make sure that you use a white ball and white tee every time you step on the course. Colored balls or tees will only serve to hurt your game.

When you step up to address the ball, imagine the exact location where you want it to land. Visualization can help you get the ball where you want it to go. Once you have a clear picture in your mind’s eye, step up, assume your stance and address the ball.

Understand when to use a long and short iron. A long iron needs a steady tempo to achieve a long distance. Don’t forget to swing slowly when using a long iron: smoother is better. On the other hand, a short iron is best used when you are within 150 yards of the green. Pay attention to the speed with which you hit the golf ball, and once again, swing smoothly. There is a tendency to swing a short iron fast, but this will not get the best results.

What you’ve learned by reading the tips above is that there are no magical, instantly-working tactics you can apply to go from 16 over to 4 under in one round. It just doesn’t work like that. But if you can implement these tips and work on your overall game, you can begin to experience what it’s like to be a good golfer.